crocodile tears

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Rudolf learns he’s being transferred to a new post in Oranienburg, Germany, potentially upending their idyllic existence, Hedwig screams and rants and sheds crocodile tears.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2023

For her self-pitying act, Ellis drew widespread disdain for her "crocodile tears" and "barefaced lies that could give a coyote gastric distress."

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

"We won't wait for the accident which is about to happen to see everyone shed crocodile tears ... safety should be on the front line," wrote the rail workers' union.

From Reuters • Mar. 6, 2023

Some of us suspected this was a gush of crocodile tears.

From Washington Post • Sep. 23, 2021

There were assurances on both sides, regrets, the crocodile tears of diplomacy, and vague threats.

From Indiscreet Letters From Peking Being the Notes of an Eye-Witness, Which Set Forth in Some Detail, from Day to Day, the Real Story of the Siege and Sack of a Distressed Capital in 1900—The Year of Great Tribulation by Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)